KCPD forum offers Kansas City residents chance to meet officers

The Kansas City Police Department is trying to improve the relationship between police and neighbors.

The department invited all residents to attend a community forum to meet the police officers that patrol their streets.

The open house was held Tuesday night at all of the six patrol division stations.

Police shared information about what they're doing in the neighborhood and listened to any problems neighbors want to voice.

Kelsey Peterson said she came because there have been some recent burglaries in her neighborhood.

"I'm now going to get on the email list to get crime reports. Now I have contact numbers to call officers directly, so I feel much better after leaving this meeting actually," she said.

And Peterson's positive experience is a trend as others reflect and look forward to future law enforcement.

This was the second year that the police department held the open houses. This year's open houses were planned well before violence roiled Ferguson after a police officer shot an unarmed 18-year-old man last week.

However, officers were prepared to answer questions about Ferguson.

Sgt. Kari Thompson said the forums are key to helping officers interact with residents and "be collaborative partners with the community."